Saarloos Wolfdog

Also called Saarlooswolfhond, Dutch Wolfdog, Saarlooswolfhund

Recognised breedFCI group 1Short profile

From The Netherlands, created by Leendert Saarloos from German Shepherd Dog and wolf crosses.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Height, male65 to 75 cm1 2

Height, female60 to 70 cm1 2

Sizelarge

Deeply loyal to its owners

Energetic and independent

Striking wolf-like looks

1 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, seasonal

A tall, muscular dog with long legs and a strongly wolf-like outline and wedge-shaped head. The weatherproof coat changes with the seasons, carrying a thick undercoat in winter and mostly guard hair in summer.1 2

Colourswolf greyforest brownwhite1 2

Personality what they are like

Lively and self-reliant, it likes to make its own choices but is dependable and very attached to its people. It is naturally reserved with strangers and tends to step back from unfamiliar situations, so early and thorough socialisation matters.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A high-energy breed that needs long daily walks and room to move.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing, with extra work during the seasonal changes of coat.1

Home where they are happiest

A calm home with a secure garden and an experienced owner suits it best.1 2

Company who they like around

Needs plenty of socialisation, ideally starting before 12 weeks of age, and close contact with its family.2

The story where it all began

Dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos crossed a German Shepherd Dog with a female Siberian wolf in the 1930s (1932 per the FCI, 1935 per Wikipedia), hoping to bring back natural qualities in working dogs. The Dutch Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1975, and the FCI followed in 1981.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Saarloos first hoped his dogs would become guide dogs for the blind.1
2
A 2015 DNA study found it more closely related to grey wolves than any other breed tested.2
3
Genomic work in 2019 estimated its wolf ancestry at roughly 18-33%.2
4
Its coat is noticeably different in winter and summer.1

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 311, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs), Section 1 Sheepdogs; definitive acceptance 18 November 1981, current standard 3 November 2014.3
Dutch Kennel Club (Raad van Beheer): Recognised in 1975.1
AKC: Added to the Foundation Stock Service in April 2026 (per Wikipedia).2

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Saarloos Wolfdog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Start a free diary

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

FCI standard no. 311 fci.beused for history, coat, colours, size, temperament
Wikipedia: Saarloos wolfdog en.wikipedia.orgused for history dates, weight, genetics facts, AKC FSS
FCI nomenclature: Saarlooswolfhond (311) fci.beused for recognition

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.